There’s been a changing of the guard.
Four of the county’s townships have new supervisors — perhaps a record turnover. All were sworn-in Nov. 20.
What are their top priorities as they begin their terms?
Barb Conley, the new Leelanau Township supervisor, defeated Mike McMillan earlier this month.
“I’m busy getting the feel of the place,” she said Friday, two days into her four-year term. “I ran for open government and would like the community to come together and thrive, making it a place for young families.”
Conley said her first duties are preparation of the 2025-2026 budget; Board of Review; and committee appointments.
And while transitioning, there will be three government/ school entities with vacant seats. Conley served on the Northport Board of Education; Northport Village Council and the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department prior to her election as supervisor.
Also sworn in on the township board are new trustees Silvia Gans and Elizabeth Schwind; as well as Treasurer Jolisa Ugalde and Clerk Jessica Wilson; making it the only allfemale township board in the county.
In Leland Township former trustee Clint Mitchell was sworn in as supervisor last week. At the top of his agenda, are roads and recreation.
According to a 2023 report from the Leelanau County Road Commission, 57.3% of the roads in Leland Township are in “poor” condition; 42.5% are in fair condition. Residents on Oxford Drive have requested improvements for more than a year.
“In the next board year, I’d like to come up with a road ‘master plan’,” Mitchell said. “To fund longterm road improvements.”
Parks are also on the front burner for the township which has already made small improvements to Grove Park in Lake Leelanau— including replacement of the tennis and basketball courts. However, a longterm plan for improvements at Hancock Park is also under study.
Leland Township also sworein Lisa Brookfield, clerk; Shirley Garthe, treasurer; and trustees Mariann Kirch and Steve Scales.
In Empire Township there is also a new person in the supervisor seat.
David Hendricks is easing into the position, after topping Supervisor Carl “Bucky” Noonan in the General Election.
“… My attention has been primarily focused on learning the structure of governance related to the township supervisory position, including the roles of the officials on the board and the various committees serving the township board, and in becoming acquainted with the people involved in these functions I am learning their concerns and how I may be of use to them,” he said. “I have been very impressed by the knowledge, experience, and dedication of these officials and feel confident that we will be able to work together to provide the township with harmonious and high quality governance.”
Hendrick is currently interviewing a number of people who have an interest to serve on committees with vacancies, as well as becoming acquainted and forging alliances with the principles at work in the township who are active in the effort to promote work force housing.
Also sworn in Empire Township were Clerk, Chris Neiswonger; Treasurer Bob Price; and trustees Kathy Wiejaczka and Casey Noonan.
Solon Township Supervisor Chris Comeaux was also sworn in last week. He was not able to respond by press time Tuesday.
